A callers’ precise location will never be handled by Google itself. Instead, it is sent directly to the emergency services via the handset, either directly or through a user’s mobile network.

Over 99% of existing Android devices (version 2.3 out and upwards) support the feature through Google Play Services.

A number of network providers in the UK facilitate the service, including BT, EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. The full list can be found on Google’s blog.

Google product manager Akshay Kannan said: “We look forward to making Android’s Emergency Location Service available internationally, and are actively engaging with more countries and operators to make this widely available.”